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Saigon from the river at night.

Ho Chi Minh City's personality is found in its unique dichotomy, as it is the perfect blend of traditional and modern. The city boasts everything from fine dining to street food, upscale hotels to inexpensive guesthouses, and premium shopping centers to the cheapest of markets. Ornate pagodas and temples can often be seen right around the corner from large, modern skyscrapers. The streets are bustling, the people are friendly, and the coffee is strong. Between its rich culture, economic importance, and deep history, interning in Ho Chi Minh City is sure to give students an educational and eye-opening experience abroad that will leave a lasting impact. 

 

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Location

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Term

Summer

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Housing

Apartments

Program Highlights

This program will start with a multi-day orientation in Ho Chi Minh City where students will enjoy a city tour and other excursions as well as receive pertinent information about how to be most successful in their internship abroad. Throughout this program, students will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. Excursions allow students to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of the country that they may not have the chance to visit on their own.  

Included with the program and available to students: internship placement, inclusive advising & support, on-site orientation, full-time resident staff, program manager, professional development toolbox, medical and liability insurance, 24-hour emergency support, placement supervision, cultural activities & excursions, visa support, housing, airport reception. 

Program Contact Information

Margaret Hosack

Education Abroad Advisor

Email: mhosack@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7982

Important Dates

Application Deadlines:

  • Summer (May): January 10, 2025

  • Summer (June): January 10, 2025

Program Dates:

  • May (8-week): Late May - Late July

  • June (8-week): Mid-June - Mid-August 

Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

  • an internal education abroad application,

  • and the internship provider application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

4. Complete the Internship Provider Program Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the internship program. The provider will contact you via your KSU email to have you complete their application and other important forms and documents.  

Eligibility & Academics

Eligibility 

  • Minimum cumulative GPA 2.5

Academic Programs

ISA WorldStrides has internship opportunities in the following areas:

  • Agriculture and Veterinary Science

  • Architecture and Urban Planning

  • Arts and Humanities

  • Business and Marketing

  • Communication, Media, and PR

  • Education

  • Engineering

  • Environmental and Sustainability Studies

  • Fashion

  • Film and TV

  • Health

  • Hospitality, Events, and Tourism

  • IT and Computer Science

  • Legal Studies and Advocacy

  • Performing and Visual Arts

  • Political Science

  • Psychology and Social Work

  • Research

  • Science and Math 

  • Sports and Exercise 

For more information you can access the website. 

Program Schedule

The program schedule will vary depending on the duration of your internship. For more information on the program, and to check differences between internship program opportunities, students can go to the website. 

Location & Transportation

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in the world! Located in the easternmost part of the Indochina Peninsula, the country has approximately 100 million inhabitants, and shares borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of about 10 million. The city is defined by rivers and canals and its named after its largest river, Saigon River. The city is known for landmarks of the country’s history such as the Independence Palace, Landmark 81 (the tallest building in Vietnam), the War Remnants Museum, and the Ben Thanh Market. Interning in the economic heart of Vietnam, students will gain a lot of insight and knowledge to apply in their future careers. 

Transportation 

The airport students will be flying to is the Tan Son Nhat International Airport. 

Housing & Meals

While interning in Ho Chi Minh City through ISA, students will live in fully furnished apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. The apartments will be located near public transit routes. The number of participants per apartment varies.

The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open minded. There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Vietnam and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility! The accommodations will provide an opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to: 

  • determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
  • and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

  • verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s), 
  • apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
  • and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

's Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Costs and Funding

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Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

 

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